Hampton Visits Okinawa During Patrol

By Lt. j.g. Derek Roncaioli, USS Hampton Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) arrived at Fleet Activities Okinawa May 7, for a port visit during its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 150, Hampton will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

"My crew is excited by the chance to visit Okinawa," said Cmdr. Lincoln Reifsteck, Hampton's commanding officer. "There are an amazing amount of historical, recreational and cultural attractions here. This is our first liberty port and many of my Sailors have never been outside of the United States, so I'm glad to make their first experience one in such an interesting and diverse location."

Hampton is one of the newest Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines that has been upgraded and maintained throughout its lifetime to remain one of the Navy's workhorses. Hampton is an impressive display of technology and a defender of the world's oceans.

"To be successful, the leadership aboard Hampton is charged with training and maintaining submarining proficiency across the ship's crew," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate Richard Moses, Hampton's chief of the boat. "Adding this to daily maintenance, cleaning and watch standing, it is easy to see that the crew of Hampton works very hard while underway. Okinawa, Japan, will be a good opportunity for the crew to get some much needed rest and relaxation.

For many crew members, like Electronics Technician Seaman Torrey Duhaney, this is their first time visiting Japan.

"I am extremely excited about experiencing the unique culture Japan has to offer," said Duhaney. "Specifically, the cuisine and traveling opportunities offer a once in a lifetime experience."

"Several of our Hampton families are traveling from San Diego to visit their Sailors and reconnect as well. After several weeks of being at sea, it is the perfect location to experience the world, replenish our ship and relax a little bit," said Reifsteck.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Hampton is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strike warfare.

Hampton in one of five Los Angeles-class submarines homeported in San Diego, California. Okinawa is Hampton's first port call during her deployment. Deployed submarines generally visit several ports while supporting U.S. 7th Fleet objectives.